CONTENTS

6

14

20

32

Lamborghini Huracan Performante SpyderPredictable, Psychotic, and now topless

Jeep WranglerWhy mess with success?

McLaren 570S SpiderAll the fun of the Coupé with no compromises

Volkswagen Golf RThe original flavoured hot hatch

COVER STORY

Feature

Road Test

Road Test

Road Test

262018 BMW X1Does BMW’s smallest SUV live up to its name?

The new BMW 8 Series Coupe With maximum dynamics on the way to series production

36

40

44

52

Mitsubishi Eclipse CrossAn Eclipse wha?

2019 Lincoln AviatorReawakening of a luxury aeronautical automobile

The truth about worn tiresAs good as worn

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Road Test

Tech Highlight

First Drive

News

98

McLaren 570S SpiderAll the fun of the Coupé with no compromises

It’s always an exciting time when welcoming a new

addition to the household: the McLaren 570S Spider

joins the Coupé and GT siblings giving British sports

car enthusiasts all the fun of the hardtop in an open-air

format.

“The McLaren 570S Spider is the most attainable

McLaren Spider to date and adds yet another dimen-

sion to the McLaren Sports Series family. This is a

convertible without compromise; its mid-engined lay-

out and carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis guarantee the

same thrilling dynamic performance and exceptional

driver involvement enjoyed in a 570S Coupé, but

with the added attraction of a retractable hardtop that

delivers the extra exhilaration of roof-down motoring,”

says Mike Flewitt, chief executive officer at McLaren

Automotive.

The top The Woking, England hand-assembled vehicle

borrows retractable hardtop technology from stable

mates the 650S and the 675LT. The two-piece roof

is made from super lightweight composite material

and adds only 46 kilograms in extra mass, most of it

coming from actuating mechanism. Thanks to the

impressive structural integrity of the carbon fibre-based

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MonoCell II chassis, no additional bracing hardware

was necessary.

Operation is a simple one-touch affair from the driver’s

seat, the top stowing neatly underneath a slick tonneau

cover that rises and closes quietly and automatically, all

inside 15 seconds. This process can be completed even

when the car is moving, up to 40 km/h.

As anyone who has sat behind the wheel or in the

passenger seat of a convertible can attest to, a wind

deflector can mean the difference between being able

to hold a conversation while on the road, and not. A

glazed unit appears with the push of a button, reducing

the dreaded wind buffeting causing unwanted noise

and messy hair.

A few differencesAlthough the similarities between the coupe and

convertible are obvious, some subtle modifications

have been made. The rear spoiler, finished in Dark

Palladium grey (customers can choose to have a special

visible carbon fibre finish instead at an extra cost), is

12 millimetres taller. This provides a more aggressive

profile and extra downforce, effectively offsetting the

changes in drag occurring from the Spider’s altered rear

upper section.

The low-slung body is made from lightweight alumi-

num, and styled in a classic athletic McLaren manner.

Design director Rob Melville says they ensured aesthet-

ics weren’t compromised due to the vehicle’s lack of a

conventional roof.

“Maintaining the purity of the Sports Series form

language was crucial when designing the 570S Spider

and a retractable hardtop rather than a fabric roof was

key to achieving this. The Spider has a purposeful,

dramatic silhouette, roof up or down, and with the

roof lowered beneath the tonneau deck the car also has

a real sense of fun that perfectly captures and reflects

the way it drives,” says Melville.

A staggering 20 exterior paint colours are now availa-

ble, three exclusive to the Spider: Vega Blue, Curacao

Blue and Sicilian Yellow. Purchasing from a luxury

marque has its benefits: personal tailoring is an option

through McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the

company’s bespoke customization division. Through

MSO, virtually the entire spectrum of the rainbow

is offered. Even the brake calipers can be coated in a

unique shade.

DesignLike all other McLaren’s, one of the vehicle’s most

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distinguishing features are the dihedral doors. Swinging

forwards then upwards when opened, they are not only

a sight to behold but are functional as well, containing

intakes to channel air to the high-temperature radia-

tors. The entire shell is seemingly designed to benefit

aerodynamics, from the wedge-shaped form factor

to the aggressive blacked out front bumper splitter.

Sticky Pirelli P ZERO CORSA tires wrapped around

massive 19-inch front, 20-inch rear alloy wheels ensure

everything stays glued to the ground.

Stepping into the teardrop-shaped cabin, occupants

will notice low mounted sports seats and a surprisingly

good view of the road despite the low centre of gravity.

As opposed to most supercars, there is actually storage

space present to put away knick-knacks, which is

appreciated for those intending to enjoy driving

outside of a racetrack. Nearly all the interior surfaces

are covered in leather or Alcantara. In the centre of the

instrument cluster is a 10-inch high-definition display

relaying key information including speed, RPMs, gear

selection, live reverse camera and turn-by-turn naviga-

tion. A secondary seven-inch display in the centre stack

gives access to climate control, telephone commands

and entertainment.

No-nonsense performanceRotating the rear wheels is a serious 3.8-litre twin-tur-

bocharged V8 engine producing 560 horsepower

and 600 Nm of torque, mated to an F1-inspired

seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Since the engine

is mounted directly behind the lone pair of seats,

the auditory feedback is amazing. The symphony of

pistons firing may be augmented via a sports exhaust

that includes a system to channel sound to the area

underneath the tonneau cover.

The Spider sits on a double wishbone suspension setup

with electronically controlled dampening. Using the

Active Dynamics Panel, drivers can choose from Nor-

mal, Sport or Track modes and the onboard computer

adjusts the ride quality accordingly to deliver the most

dynamic performance possible.

1716

To the uninitiated, the “normal” Lamborghini

Huracán is a super car that can only be described with

adjectives that seem to be oxymorons. Nutty, stunning,

psychotic, hardcore are just such examples that come

to mind.

Lamborghini chose the 2018 Geneva Motor Show

as the venue to dop the top on its new Lamborghini

Huracán Performante Spyder. That is to say, that it

is a topless/convertible sibling to the bonkers-quick

Huracán Performante coupé.

What is it?Lamborghini says that the Huracán Performante

Spyder draws its design cues from Super Trofeo race

cars and performance motorcycles with their naked,

open-frame streetfighter character. It is designed to be

as capable on the track as on the road.

The inherent design, technology and performance fea-

tures of the Huracán Performante are as fundamental

in the Spyder, thus adding a new dimension of driving

pleasure to the supreme driving experience of the

Performante. Its open-top design clearly differentiates

the Spyder from its coupé counterpart, with roof both

open and closed.

Speaking of that roof, by the way, the rear window can

be raised and lowered independently of the top. The

top itself will open and close in only about 17 seconds,

and can be deployed at speeds up to 50 km/hr (30

mph). When the roof is

down, the Huracán Performante Spyder’s design incor-

porates two movable fins, which rise out of the folding

Lamborghini Huracan Performante SpyderPredictable, Psychotic, and now topless

feat

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1918

roof casing and continue the roofline from seatbacks

to the rear of the car, lending the Spyder its distinctive

silhouette. An integrated duct within the fins reduces

turbulence in the headroom during open-top driving.

Two additional, removable wind guards dampen lateral

aerodynamic pulsations, ensuring perfect acoustic com-

fort that allows conversation even at high speeds.

“The Huracán Performante Spyder takes the zenith of

Huracán developments, combined with the enhanced

emotion of driving a convertible,” says Stefano Do-

menicali, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of

Automobili Lamborghini. “The Huracán Performante

already provides the most heightened feedback and

emotion from road and track, and the Huracán Per-

formante Spyder puts the driver even closer to asphalt

and air, as well as the unique resonance of a natural-

ly-aspirated Lamborghini engine.”

PerformanceSporting the same engine as its fixed-roof sibling, the

Performante Spyder sports a 5.2-litre naturally aspi-

rated V10 with an output of 640 horsepower and 442

lb-ft (600Nm) of torque. 70 per cent of that torque

is available barely off idle, as low as only 1,000 rpm.

This is the most powerful V10 ever produced by the

company, and is inspired by the world of motor racing.

The Spyder returns a weight-to-power ratio of 2.35 kg/

hp, with weight distribution front/rear of 43/57%.

The heart of the car is easy to recognize by its new

bronze manifold paying homage to the heritage of

legendary engines like that in the Diablo 30th Anniver-

sary. The Performante’s V10 engine is also paired with a

newly revised seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

With those kinds of engine output figures, the Per-

formante Spyder hustles its way from 0 to 100 km/hr

in just 3.1 seconds. This is only about two-tenths of a

second slower than its fixed roof sibling. Find an air-

plane runway long enough, or a stretch of unrestricted

autobahn without traffic, and it will howl its way up to

325.087 km/hr (202 mph). Keep in mind that this is

despite the fact that it is a convertible!

Because it is the Performante, many of the aerodynam-

ic wizardry from the coupé carries over, with copious

applications of forged carbon fibre inside and out. The

active aerodynamic system, known as Lamborghini’s

ALA (aka Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva), is the

official company name for this wizardry.

The Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva ( ALA ) system

accurately distributes the aerodynamic load, either

generating higher downforce or lower drag, by using

computer controlled flaps in the front and rear of the

car.

Despite all of this added technology, the Performante

Spyder isn’t just more powerful, but also lighter than a

standard Huracán Spyder. In fact, it weights approxi-

mately 77 lbs less than the standard model.

InteriorAll of the Italian luxury and elegance of a Lamborghini

can be found inside this vehicle. The details are finished

with care, devotion and precision. The interior of the

Huracán Performante Spyder reminds the driver of its

lightweight and aerodynamic purpose. The air vents,

paddles, door handles and the center console are creat-

ed from Forged Composite Carbon Fibre. Referencing

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depending on driving mode and the infortainment

system supports Apple CarPlay and its iPhone apps

including the Lamborghini telemetry system, which

allows the driver to record, replay and study his own

performance.

Final ThoughtsStunning. Absolutely stunning. Those are perhaps

two extra words that can be describe the Huracán

Performante Spyder.

With its roof open or closed, the Spyder is equally a

driver’s car in challenging dynamic situations, or as a

thrilling lifestyle experience. Bellissimo!

The question is, do you have what it takes to pay to

play?

its racing heritage, lightweight, dark colored Alcantara

fabric is used throughout, including on the sports seats

where an optional ‘Y’ graphic can be lasered.

Elegantly concealed within each individual component

of the Huracán Performante Spyder lies the most state-

of-the-art technology. Take, for instance, the ANIMA

(Adaptive Network Intelligence Management) driv-

ing-mode selector, which makes it possible to satisfy

almost every driving need.

Lamborghini’s ANIMA system, controls driver modes

that customize the set-up of all the car’s systems. In the

Performante Spyder, ANIMA has also been revised to

enhance the driving experience in each of the modes:

Strada, Sport and Corsa. In Strada, traction and stabil-

ity are prioritized. Sport offers a more rear-wheel drive

orientation, with oversteer behavior and easier drifting.

The Corsa driving mode is focused on top performance

and handling to maximise results on track.

Unique to the Performante, the driver is fully in

touch with the active aerodynamics’ activities not only

through the car’s performance, but also from the spe-

cial ALA graphic in the dashboard display which shows

when and how ALA is working, including aero vector-

ing. The new digital cockpit displays are configurable

feat

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Longines_HQ • Visual: SB2_MC15 • Magazine: Car_Magazine 4 • Issue: 15/04/2017 • Doc size: 275 x 340 mm Calitho #: 04-17-121517 • AOS #: LON_13085 • FP 11/04/2017

Elegance is an attitude

Simon Baker

The Longines Master Collection

2322

Jeep WranglerWhy mess with success?

The birth of Jeep is a complicated story that is subject

to many interpretations. But there is no doubt that

Jeep’s early history is legendary, and its role in helping

the Allies defeat the Axis powers during World War II

undeniable.

Jeep was originally a vehicle that was created out of

necessity. Forged in the crucible of war, created by

committee, remarkably, the G.P. (General Purpose)

grew into one of the world’s most recognizable brands

and vehicles.

Over 75 years later, Jeep has soldiered on and today

is owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles as one of the

more successful sub-brands in the FCA portfolio.

What is old is new againThe Wrangler is arguably the most direct progression

from the original World War II Jeep. Aside from

vehicles such as the Volkswagen Beetle and the Porsche

911, there are not many other vehicles with a shape

that is as baked into its brand name.

These days, all Wrangler models continue to use a sep-

arate body-on-frame design, a tapered nose design with

flared fenders, a fold-flat windshield, and removable

doors.

The 2018 Wrangler is all-new, even though it might

look very similar as the last one from afar. Jeep’s

designers apparently did look at far more radical rede-

signs, but at the end of the day, there was a unanimous

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decision to stick with what the market was familiar

with. Nonetheless, the designers and engineers were

tasked with vastly improving every single component

in every way.

And so we have this new JL model, the successor to the

previous JK. The forth-generation Wrangler that carries

the baton in this competitive race amongst increasingly

more car-like SUVs and crossovers.

What has changed?The Wrangler is still available in two versions. A two-

door convertible SUV or a four-door convertible SUV.

With the exception of the Sahara-trim line, every single

other version is available in either two-door or four-

door configurations.

The exterior design features Jeep’s trademark front grille

with seven vertical slots and round headlamps that are

integrated into the front grille. However, upon closer

examination, you’ll notice that the traditional Jeep logo

has now been moved off the front grille, and the grille

itself has been raked more so than before for improved

aerodynamics.

The windshield’s rake has also been optimized for aer-

odynamics, without compromising too much on the

immediately recognizable sculptural design aesthetic.

In order to allow for easier folding, there is a new four-

bolt design at the top of the windshield’s frame. A new

header bar stays in place, despite the windshield being

folded down, and connects the A-pillars. This also

has the advantage of allowing the rearview mirror to

remain in place even with the windshield folded flat.

Dimensionally, the JL has also grown by 2.5 inches

overall in two-door form and 3.5 inches in four-door

form. The wheelbase is also an inch or two longer,

depending on the model, and the track is wider. Jeep’s

engineers have lowered the beltline and fitted larger

windows for better outward visibility, especially when

off-roading.

The new doors are made of high-strength aluminium,

for less weight, but also better crashworthiness. The

Torx bit tool size has also been cleverly stamped direct-

ly onto the hinge, eliminating guesswork as to which

tool size is needed to remove the doors.

The use of lightweight, high-strength aluminum clo-

sures, including the doors, door hinges, hood, fender

flares, windshield frame and magnesium swing gate,

help reduce weight and boost fuel economy. Other

ways the Jeep engineering team looked to reduce

weight included using hollow track and stabilizer bars,

2726

aluminum engine mounts and steering gear, and a

larger, lighter master cylinder.

How is the new roof design? Is it much easier to use?Previous iterations of the Wrangler’s foldable roof truly

required masters of origami to decipher the folding

instructions. However, the new design is truly revolu-

tionary.

Wrangler buyers now have the pick of three different

options. Firstly, a regular hard top with removable

“freedom panels”. Secondly, a retractable electric canvas

roof , known as the “Sky One-Touch powertop”, that

slides along the top frame rails. Lastly, there is a full

canvas top, known as the “Sunrider soft top”, which

now features bows to manage the fabric. The new top

design uses retainers that slide into a track for easier

rear passenger window removal, versus the previous

system of zippers and Velcro.

The main roof mechanism has also been re-engineered

so that it is a one-person operation, versus the team

task that roof-removal has once been.

21st century lighting technologyOn Sahara and Rubicon models, available LED head-

lamps and fog lamps offer crisp white lighting and add

to the Wrangler’s distinctive look. The Jeep’s headlamps

have traditionally been a very weak point, and these

units are huge technological improvements in terms

of safety but also aesthetics. These LED lights feature

daytime running lights that now form a halo around

the outside perimeter of the headlights. Standard LED

forward turn signals are positioned on the front of

the trapezoidal wheel flares. From behind, traditional

square tail lamps feature available LED lighting.

Interior techWhile the Wrangler’s exterior may not have changed

that much, the interior is certainly the biggest improve-

ment of all.

Traditionalists need not fear as the Wrangler’s rugged,

hose-out functionality is still retained. However, the

interior technology is undeniably sourced from the

21st century, not the 19th. Jeep proudly states that the

centre stack is still very much heritage-inspired, but has

a clean, sculpted form that compliments the horizontal

dashboard design. The finishes are also dictated by the

model choices.

While the knobs are still good and chunky and the

switchgear still heavy duty, the instrument cluster

features a much needed upgrade. When fitted with the

optional 7-inch LED informational display, the driver

is able to configure information in more than 100 ways

including current media played, tire pressure, or just a

simple speed readout. Steering wheel controls allow the

driver to keep their hands on the wheel at all times.

A 7.0- or an available 8.4-inch touchscreen – the most

advanced and largest display Uconnect system display

ever offered on Wrangler – houses the fourth-gen-

eration Uconnect system and now sits prominently

atop the center stack. This latest infotainment system

includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with huge

improvements to the user interface and system perfor-

mance. The system has also features quicker start up

times and improved screen resolution.

For ease-of-use, directly below the touchscreen are

functional features such as climate and volume control

knobs and media connectivity ports.

Engine choicesFor 2018, the Wrangler is available with an upgraded

3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine delivering 285 hp and

260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque. The powerplant has

been engineered to provide a broad torque band with

a focus on low-end torque, an essential trait not only

useful for daily driving, but also needed for extreme

off-roading.

An all-new six-speed manual transmission is standard

on all Pentastar-equipped Wranglers, or there is also

an optional new-to-Wrangler eight-speed automatic

transmission. This eight-speed automatic unit offers a

reasonably responsive driving experience with smooth,

linear power delivery and improved fuel economy

thanks to two overdrive ratios that help to boost high-

way fuel efficiency and reduce overall NVH levels.

The second choice of engine is an all-new 2.0-litre

turbocharged inline four-cylinder unit with eTorque

technology.

Rated at a best-in-class 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft

(400Nm) of torque and mated to the eight-speed

automatic transmission, this engine features a twin-

scroll, low-inertia turbocharger with an electronically

actuated waste gate for exceptional responsiveness and

performance.

The eTorque system’s hybrid functions improves fuel

economy, due to its auto stop/start, electric power

assist, extended fuel shut-off, and intelligent battery

charging and regenerative braking. While it’s not a full

hybrid system, both the engine and fuel flow may be

turned off during stops, coasting, or when the engine is

decelerating.

Finally, starting in 2019, Jeep’s 3.0-litre EcoDiesel

engine, rated at 260 hp and 442 lb-ft (599 Nm) of

torque, will be available.

What about the off-roadability?For 2018, the Wrangler continues to utilize the proven

five-link coil suspension configuration. The front

suspension features a lateral control arm and four lon-

gitudinal control arms. Full-width track bars made of

forged steel control lateral movement of the axle with

minimal angle change during suspension travel. The

roll center height has been raised and the spring rates

have been retuned to provide a comfortable ride when

traveling around town.

The five-link rear suspension features two upper and

two lower forged steel control arms for longitudinal

control, and a track bar for lateral axle control. The

control arms are located outside of the frame rails while

the rear shocks are splayed (angled inboard at the top)

to provide consistent damping.

The JK’s shocks have been retuned and demonstrate

optimum balance between on-road handling and

legendary off-road capability. Ride comfort, body-roll

control, and handling have been significantly improved

with new shock tuning, hard points, and body mount

strategy.

On Wrangler Rubicon models, an electronic front

sway-bar disconnect allows for additional wheel travel

when the terrain calls for it.

A best-in-class approach angle of 44 degrees, breakover

angle of 27.8 degrees, departure angle of 37 degrees

and a ground clearance of 10.9 inches allows Wrangler

to go anywhere.

Wrangler also benefits from up to 30 inches of water

fording and up to 3,500-lb. towing capacity with the

available towing package.

Final thoughtsWith its improvements in engine performance, fuel

economy, creature comforts, modernity, and overall

comfort, owners can live up to their rugged adventure

lifestyle easier than ever before, while still using the JK

on a daily basis.

If you’re an off-road enthusiast or even just a Jeep fan,

there are certainly more compelling reasons than ever

to own a Wrangler.

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2018 BMW X1Does BMW’s smallest SUV live up to its name?

When the first-generation BMW X1 first made its

debut, many wondered if the marketplace was ready

for yet another BMW model, let alone another BMW

Sports Activity Vehicle.

When the second-generation X1 made its debut in

Spring of 2015, BMW proudly announced that more

than 730,000 units of the first-generation X1 had

been sold globally. Therefore this provided irrefutable

evidence that the world’s audience was indeed ready for

yet another premium-badged compact utility vehicle in

the marketplace.

OverviewDespite being the smallest BMW SUV, the BMW X1

treats the premium compact segment with a potent

shot of the company’s Sports Activity Vehicle DNA.

The original X1 was based on BMW’s 3-Series, and

hence was rear-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive-based.

However, the current model X1 is built on BMW’s

compact UKL platform, also shared with the MINI

Countryman and Clubman. The UKL platform was

designed to be front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive

right from the get-go, therefore offering significant

packaging advantages when it comes to roomier interi-

or dimensions.

Good things come in small packagesIn this segment where consumers want big interior

space with a compact exterior, intelligent packaging

is everything. In almost every dimension, the X1 is

considerably larger than its rivals inside. There is loads

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of luggage space, and the double-level floor means that

there is even more hidden cargo space for odds and

ends under the main cargo floor.

Thanks to the front-wheel-drive layout, the rear seats

have significantly more legroom than the first-genera-

tion X1. A sliding rear seat adds even more flexibility

should you need it.

What are the X1’s rivals you might wonder? Well they

include the brand-new and very good Volvo XC40, the

Jaguar E-Pace, the Mercedes-Benz GLA, and the Audi

Q3. Even BMW itself has a competitor to the X1. No

it’s not the MINI Countryman, but in fact the slightly

less roomy, but more “stylish” and newly launched X2.

Mind you, the X1 is supposed to appeal to the more

practical-minded of the two target audiences.

Performance and HandlingAt 1,677 kilograms (3,697 lbs), the X1 relatively svelte.

Equipped with our X1 xDrive28i press car’s 228hp

2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the sprint

from 0 to 100 km/hr is accomplished in a spritely

and smooth 6.3 seconds. While the engine is not the

most powerful in the segment (for example, the Jaguar

E-Pace P250 has an extra 18 hp), it does have a flat and

broad power band. Max torque peaks at 258 lb-ft (350

Nm) starting at a low 1,250 rpms all the way to 4,500

rpms.

With these facts and figures, the seat of the pants feel

is that the X1’s performance is still more than punchy

enough, while still being frugal at the pumps.

Compared to its stiffly sprung and unforgiving prede-

cessor, the X1’s forté has got to be its much improved

handling. Over bad pavement, the X1’s shorter wheel-

base and suspension dialled-in for sportiness may result

in some chassis unsettledness over really rough roads.

Yes, the ride is still solidly Teutonic and stiffer than the

small SUV norm, but handling is consequently above

average as well. Overall, the X1 is in keeping with what

you’d expect from BMW and very comfortable enough

most of the time.

Aided by its efficient and effective xDrive all-wheel-

drive system and Dynamic Stability Control, the X1

goes where it’s pointed, whether the road is wet, dry,

or snowy. It is still set-up for safe understeer when

pushed hard, but xDrive proactively distributes the

engine’s power front or rear, left or right as the situation

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requires. It’s truly one of the more sophisticated all-

wheel-drive systems out there in the marketplace.

Credit for the X1’s handling also has to go to the

electronic power steering system, which is weighty and

precise with a reasonable amount of feedback. There

are also a few different drive control models (Eco,

Comfort, Sport) should you feel the need to tweak the

level of responsiveness of your compact luxury SUV.

InteriorOverall, the X1 offers excellent visibility all around

thanks to its higher than average driving position

compared to a typical family sedan. The low-mounted

dashboard also gives a decent view over the hood. The

front seats have excellent adjustable lateral support,

and the extendable thigh supports are very welcome on

longer drives for taller occupants.

Thanks to the switch to the UKL platform and its

transverse engine configuration, there is plenty of space

front and back for lanky adults to get comfortable.

Generous headroom abounds all around, and even a

couple of six-footers will be more than comfortable on

long journeys. Sure, carrying three adults in the back

of the X1 is a bit of a squeeze, but that is the case for all

compact SUVs in the segment.

The rear seatbacks also split and fold in a 40/20/40

configuration, allowing longer items to be fed through

the folded centre rear portion through to the front.

Happily, the cargo load floor is flushed with the cargo

opening’s lip. This means that there is no annoying

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need to lift or drop down heavy items during the load-

ing and unloading process.

Like the latest BMWs, all the dashboard controls

are laid out in a logical manner. There is plenty of

soft touch vinyl, chrome trim, and wood inlays to

lift things up. Fitted with a heads-up display, sports

seats, and the obligatory iDrive system with BMW’s

advanced traffic-aware GPS system, the X1 has enough

bells and whistles to satisfy almost everyone. The large

8.0 inch display with BMW’s ConnectedDrive is

certainly one of the best infotainment systems in the

marketplace.

Overall, the X1 has the kind of solid build quality,

well-oiled precision, and premium feel that its buyers

will demand from a premium-badged German car.

Final ThoughtsThe compact luxury SUV class is probably one of the

most competitive segments in the automotive land-

scape today. By going to a transverse-engine design, the

X1 joins its rivals in the marketplace, therefore losing

some of its distinctiveness.

However, the vehicle’s strength is not in one particular

area, but rather as the sum of all of its parts. Indeed,

the X1 doesn’t excel in any one area, but yet remains

very capable and probably the best all-rounder out

there.

3534

Volkswagen Golf RThe original flavoured hot hatch

In the mid-1970s, a handful of European auto

manufacturers began offering performance-orientated

version of their small economical hatchbacks. Coupled

upgrades in handling and performance but yet

retaining much of the practicality of the hatchback

design, these vehicles quickly became very popular

amongst those who didn’t need or want a dedicated

sports car as a daily driver.

Volkswagen has a long and well-regarded history in

this niche, starting with the arrival of their fun-to-drive

hot hatch in the form of the VW Golf GTI. The boxy

first-generation (Mk1) Golf was fitted with front

wheel drive, a “row it yourself” manual gearbox, and a

naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.

By today’s standards, the 100+ hp engine and top

speed of just 182 km/hr seem rather pedestrian. But 30

years ago, it was the bees’ knees. Remember there was

an energy crisis back in the 1970s and those were solid

performance numbers at the time.

Today’s hot hatchThe Golf then, has a storied history in being available

in both economical form, and hot hatch form. Want

something more potent? Not to worry, the GTI is still

around, and these days, is available with over 200hp

from its 2.0 litre turbocharged four, and also a fantastic

dual clutch sequential gearbox. The obligatory 6-speed

manual transmission is also available. You can even get

a trick limited slip front differential in the GTI when

fitted with the performance package.

But then there’s the performance king of the Golfs.

The recently refreshed Volkswagen Golf R, the ultimate

of the hot hatches from Wolfsburg. Fitted with

standard 4-Motion all-wheel-drive, a massaged EA888

turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cylinder pumping out 292

horsepower, an enhanced version of the dual-clutch

flappy paddle gearbox, this senior model is both styled

with restraint and intended for grown-ups.

To those who know and love their Golfs, this is the

mack daddy and the one to lust over.

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What’s different?A quick walk around the Golf R reveals quad exhaust

pipes on the rear fascia, subtle “R” badging on the nose

and tail, bigger intakes, bigger brakes, larger prettier

wheels, and meatier ground effects. VW fans will note

that the red trim line that runs across the front of the

GTI (spanning the headlamps and grille) is gone.

Volkswagen’s head of design describes the R as having a

fantastic balance of respectability, sportiness, restraint,

but yet differentiation. Historically, the R family line

has produced very handsome variations and this Mk 7

version is no exception.

The Mk7 Golf is now based on the larger but lighter

VW Group MQB platform, which makes the car a

kissing cousin of the Audi A3/S3. Also shared with its

Audi cousins is the EA888 turbocharged 2.0-litre four

cylinder engine. Compared to the GTI’s EA888, there

is a newly designed cylinder head, modified pistons,

injection valves, and of course a new turbocharger.

The 292 hp finds its way to all of the Golf R’s wheels

via either a six-speed manual gearbox, or an optional

seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox (as

fitted to our test vehicle). Volkswagen fans will note

that the DSG gearbox has been fitted with an extra

forward gear for 2018, allowing for even better use of

the engine’s power. The broad torque curve that hits

full force at just 1,800 rpms is absolutely delightful,

with very little turbo lag.

The Golf R’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive is based on

Haldex’s fifth-generation multi-plate clutch system

and the latest suite of electronic aids, including launch

control. Using an electro-hydraulic oil pump, the Golf

R’s 4-Motion system can send almost 100 per cent of

available torque to the rear axle when the computers

deem it necessary.

Compared to the previous generation system, VW says

that this latest setup has shorter response time and “an

optimisation of the amount of torque sent rearwards”.

The result is a more neutral handling balance than

before. There are no limited slip differentials here,

but the system does include an electronic differential

system (EDS) that acts as pseudo transverse differential

locks on both axles.

Notably, because it cannot be performed in the GTI or

any other Golf, the electronic stability control system

can be fully deactivated in the Golf R if the ESC

button is held for three seconds.

On the insideIf you’re looking for a radically different interior, you’ll

have to look to the Audi S3. But for those who want

to use the Golf R as both a daily driver and a weekend

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cruiser, or the occasional track machine, the interior’s

lack of excessiveness should be wonderful news.

Like the regular Golf, the cabin is inviting and upscale

enough. There are well-bolstered “Vienna” leather

seats, a fantastic D-style sports steering wheel (not

unlike those in Lamborghinis), and the switchgear is

easy to use. Perhaps my only complaint is that some

of the controls could use a little more weight to them

to enhance the quality feel, particularly the climate

control knobs and the turn signal stalk.

The upgraded Discover Pro GPS satellite navigation

system infotainment system has a larger than standard

8.0” LCD screen and supports Apple CarPlay. My test

vehicle was also equipped with a nice sounding Fender-

branded sound system.

Perhaps the biggest difference is with the Golf R’s

centre console, borrowed from the European Golf.

Unlike the GTI, it has an electronic parking brake

versus an actual handbrake lever.

There is good visibility, a commanding driving

position, and excellent all-round visibility. Although

this is a compact car, the rear seats are spacious enough

to accommodate six-footers for shorter road trips.

Selectable drive modes (Normal, Individual, Comfort,

and Race), allow the Golf R’s owner to tweak anything

from engine response, shift points, steering weight,

and even the voracity of the exhaust/engine note.

Wünderbar!

How does it drive?At only 3,400 lbs, the Golf R feels very quick off the

line. The 280 lbs-ft (380 Nm) of torque comes on

strong and the flappy paddle gearbox makes the most

of it.

One of my favourite parts of the Golf R is how

assuming it is. Leave the car in “Comfort” mode and

the suspension, gearbox, steering, and engine mapping

will be tailored for everyday family car comfortable.

Go to the other end of the spectrum in “Race” mode

and you’ll find that the transmission bangs through the

gears a lot more aggressively and the suspension firms

up considerably. Moreover, in Race mode, the interior

soundtrack is noticeably louder, partially thanks to a

sound-generating device at the base of the windshield.

While some boy racers have complained that about

the lack of authenticity, engineers have purposely not

opened up the exhaust to rival the Fiat 500 Abarth.

After all, nobody’s wife would let them spend this

much on a Golf and yet have to put up with the

droning of a sport exhaust on a family road trip.

The “Individual” mode, which allows the driver to

pick and combine any of the settings a la carte, was the

mode that I preferred most of the time as it allowed

for the best of both worlds. My ideal combination of

settings included the sportier exhaust note, the “Race”

mode’s quicker transmission shifting, and heavier

steering weight. Yet, I could still leave the suspension

on its most comfortable setting for my daily commute.

Basically, this is a very well-rounded car, and no matter

how aggressively I drove it, I never saw more than

12L/100 kms of fuel consumption. I averaged around

9.9L/100 kms over the course of a week, despite my

admittedly heavy foot.

Final thoughtsThere is a reason why the Mk7 Golf has earned so

many awards. Despite its performance tuning, the Golf

R doesn’t sacrifice much in the comfort department.

It provides its occupants a firm, yet never harsh,

ride down the road. With 292hp on tap, you can

point-and-shoot your way through traffic. But find a

secluded canyon road and you’ll find yourself carving

the corners till the cows come home.

My biggest complaint about the front-wheel-drive Golf

GTI was wheel spin. The Golf R’s standard 4Motion

all-wheel-drive eliminates any of that, allowing the

power to be effectively put down on the pavement

all the time. In poor weather, it also provides an extra

measure of safety and practicality.

All things said, driving the Golf R is a ton of fun, and

it is perhaps one of my favourite vehicles that I have

driven this year. Thanks to its over-engineering, it is

polished and refined. A true gentleman’s hot hatch.

Its biggest rival is perhaps its sibling, the GTI. While

the Golf R is double the price of the cheapest Golf, it

is surely twice the car. But whether it is or not worth

its price premium over the GTI, only consumers can

decide.

In my case though, I only have one question. Which

dotted line do I sign on?

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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

To begin, let’s address the elephant in the room: why

is the Eclipse now a crossover? A valid question for

sure, because Mitsubishi’s latest SUV doesn’t seem to

resemble the former sport compact at all aside from

maybe the all-wheel drive layout. Let’s just say it has

less to do with resurrecting an old model and turning it

into something its not, and more with leveraging some

name recognition — particularly among the older

Millennial set — the automaker also pointed out many

markets around the world never experienced an Eclipse

An Eclipse wha?

in any form.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get down to the

nitty gritty.

Big changes“The Eclipse Cross is a big departure from our other

products,” says senior manager of product planning

Don Ulmer. “There’s a big focus on exterior design and

a totally different interior design language that’s going

to be utilized in future products as well. The whole

concept of this vehicle is what we refer to as bold and

spirited, broken down into three specific characteristics:

stimulating design, human connectivity and superior

control.”

Lets tackle the aesthetics first. The exterior looks

great, possessing a sharper, edgier second-generation

interpretation of the brand’s Dynamic Shield front

fascia styling, where the headlamps, large grille and

bumper garnish form an X-like shape. As opposed to

the Outlander, which has a somewhat traditional SUV

profile, the Cross-boasts a reverse wedge silhouette with

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a steeply raked front windshield and angular lines all

over. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels come standard. And

never before seen in the line-up, Mitsubishi is offering

a slick dual-pane moonroof.

Technological leapIn terms of connectivity, Ulmer says this is one of the

most tech-savvy crossovers the company has made yet.

A motorized LCD-screen based head-up display is

available, mounted above the steering column relaying

speed, cruise control settings and other pertinent

information directly in the line of sight of the driver.

Almost a prerequisite nowadays, Apple CarPlay and

Android Auto are supported, so occupants may simply

plug in their phones and access important functions via

voice or the 7-inch central display.

A new touchpad controller installed to the right

of the shift lever quickly and accurately recognizes

multi-directional swipes to navigate menus and input

commands. Volume can be changed here as well, by

two-finger-swiping up or down, something users best

become accustomed to as a physical volume knob has

unfortunately been done away with.

All traction, all the timeArriving to super control, a nice touch is that in certain

markets, all trim levels receive the highly touted Super-

All-Wheel Control torque-vectoring AWD system

meaning there are no front-wheel drive versions like

the other portfolio products. While perhaps not so

lucky for photography purposes, when journalists set

out to test the vehicle at a press event in early spring

about an hour outside of Toronto, Canada there was

a fresh dusting of snow during our extensive drive.

The Eclipse Cross handled the icy conditions beautiful

over a variety of terrain almost behaving as if the roads

were dry. Only one engine type is bundled under the

hood: a turbocharged 1.5-litre four cylinder making

152 horsepower and 249 Nm of torque, mated to a

continuously variable transmission. Not class-leading

performance, however, the fuel consumption we

experienced hovering between the 8 to 9 litres per

hundred kilometres is quite good for an all-wheel drive

crossover, especially at a time when major cities around

the world are competing for highest gasoline prices.

Except for base, other grades get steering wheel-

mounted paddle shifters to increase the fun factor a bit.

The CVT features eight-step Sport Mode functionality,

so driver’s can gear down to bring on a burst of

acceleration during passing manoeuvres, freeway

merges or just when encountering a twisty stretch of

road.

The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is in stores now.

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2019 Lincoln Aviator

The 100-plus-year-old Lincoln Motor Company dug

into its archives and resurrected a model not seen since

the early 2000s: the Aviator. The aeronautical-inspired

name and the fact that it was a luxury mid-size SUV

are among the few traits the past and future vehicles

will share. Lincoln unveiled a pre-production version at

the 2018 New York International Auto Show ahead of

the 2019 launch, and here’s the big kicker: it’s going to

have a hybrid option.

Electrified performance“This is the first time we’ve combined plug-in electric

technology with twin turbos and you’re going to

experience quick yet quiet acceleration of an electric

powertrain, but without the range anxiety thanks to

its twin turbocharged engine,” says Jim Farley, Ford

president of global markets, during a press conference,

adding rear-wheel drive has been deemed the drivetrain

of choice in order to preserve a level of performance

consumers have come to expect.

Circling back to the vehicle nomenclature for a

moment, the theme of flight most definitely played

an inspirational role in the reimagined Aviator’s

conception, evidenced by its streamlined shape and

wraparound windshield. Character lines in the sheet

metal flow downwards towards the rear — a nod to

the RWD layout — mimicking the slightly angled

wings of a bird or plane. Finally, the paint colour is a

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Reawakening of a luxury aeronautical automobile

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purposefully chosen iridescent Flight Blue shade.

The Aviator is perhaps the sleekest looking product

to come out of the born-again era of the premium

marque, showing off the signature grille comprised of

miniature repeating star emblems, a sharply tapering

roofline and a confident stance. More than one

journalist was overheard commenting on its Range

Rover Velar-esque shape, and that is definitely not a

bad thing. Inside, three rows offer flexibility in seating

yet doesn’t make the interior feel cramped. In fact

the cabin is quite spacious, attributed to a clean and

minimalistic layout.

One might even describe the interior as evoking a

sense of sanctuary, one of the four tenets — beauty,

gliding, humanity and sanctuary — guiding the design

philosophy behind the crossover.

New techThe premium brand is big on comfort and

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convenience, and there is no shortage of that here. The

Lincoln Way app allows users to fire up the ignition via

their smartphone rather than carrying a conventional

key fob. The locks can also be manipulated, the trunk

opened, and an audible chirp sounded for location

purposes. If the phone battery dies, a backup keypad

on the exterior door grants emergency passcode-

enabled access and the driver can start the car via by

navigating the central display.

Another new innovation is Suspension Preview

Technology. A built-in forward-facing camera scans

for imperfections in the road and then adjusts the

damping level accordingly to minimize occupant

discomfort when going over things like potholes and

bumps in the road.

Finally, the Aviator introduces Lincoln Co-Pilot360,

a suite of advanced electronic driver-assist aids. These

standard equipment features include automatic braking

with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning with

cross traffic alert, a lane keeping system, reverse camera

and smart high beams. Reverse Brake Assist is optional,

which, using integrated sensors in the rear, provide

autonomous braking if an approaching obstacle is

detected while in backing up.

Watch for the 2019 Lincoln Aviator to arrive in

dealerships next year. More specifications will be made

available closer to release.

4746

Brand comparisons between tires are probably nearly

as old as the tire business itself. However, as Michelin

pointed out during a recent program, how often do

you see a head-to-head between two sets of well-used

rubber?

The answer is probably not very. Which is why the

French manufacturer invited media to take part in

The Truth About Worn Tires hands-on demonstration

at the Laurens Proving Grounds late last month, its

own private test facility near its North American

headquarters in South Carolina, USA.

Tech

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The truth about worn tires“This is not a normal event that Michelin puts on.

Normally, we invite you out for a new product launch

or a corporate announcement, but that’s not what this

is about. We are just a voice in the industry here talking

about something we’re very passionate about. And

that’s safety,” says brand director Andy Koury.

“Typically when the industry is testing tires it’s

standard to test what? New tires. Rarely do we test

anything that’s worn, so it’s something we’re going to

highlight at this event. It’s truly important as most

consumers, after they buy the tire and leave the shop,

As good as worn

equal, especially in a heavily used state. A lot of the

time people buy a fresh set because the old ones don’t

perform like they once did.

To the trackAnd to illustrate the point we were sent to the first

of two activities of the day: doing three laps around

a deliberately wet section of the test track in various

Nissan Juke crossovers all spec’d the same, but on

four sets of tires — “Tire A” and Tire B (all branding

was removed prior) in both new and worn condition,

the latter simulated by artificially shaving the tread

to 3/32nds. Although we weren’t privy to the specific

models yet, it was pretty clear from the get go A was

the more capable of the two, being able to better hold a

consistent line around the turns at speed than B.

Wet brakingThe next exercise proved to be most illuminating.

This time we got behind the wheel of Toyota Camrys

equipped with a similar setup and GPS tracking,

except instead of lapping, we were to accelerate to 72

km/h an hour in a straight line, activate cruise control

and then once entering a designated stop box —

sprinkled in water of course as that is truly the best way

to identify any hidden issues — slam on the brakes as

hard as possible in order to measure stopping distance.

Tire A again came through the winner, however I

wasn’t expecting B in its new state to take nearly five

metres further to stop than A, worn. Afterwards,

professional drivers then did the exact same thing in

F-150 pickup trucks, yielding similar results.

As Michelin explained, some tires are designed to wear

better, keeping a proper contact patch (part of the

rubber actually contacting with the road surface) as

well as the grooves and biting edges that help maintain

traction in slick conditions. As it turns out, Tire A was

a Michelin (surprise!) passenger tire, and B a Goodyear

equivalent.

You can read more about the event at michelinmedia.

com/the-truth-about-worn-tires.

they’re already driving on worn tires.”

Not fully utilizedPrior to participating in any exercises, the day began

in the classroom where some statistics were laid

out. Over 400 million tires a year are sent to the

landfill prematurely, the owners not using them

down minimum allowable tread depth limit of 1.5

millimetres, or 2/32nds of an inch. Michelin says even

replacing at 3 millimetres or 4/32nds could mean

losing up to 32,000 kilometres of potential life.

Now of course, that’s not to say all tires are created

4948

It’s hard to believe that the Lexus ES has been around

for six generations. When the model first made its

debut in 1989, the first-generation ES 250 was one of

two vehicles in Lexus’ debut line-up, with the other

being the flagship LS 400.

The first five generations of the ES were built off the

Toyota Camry platform, whereas the sixth generation

was more closely related to the Avalon.

For model year 2019, the ES, or “Executive Sedan”,

marks the debut of its seventh generation. Recently

unveiled at the April 2018 Beijing International

automotive Exhibition, the ES will hit the showroom

floors starting in the autumn of 2018.

2019 Lexus ES

What’s new?Long known for its unparalleled comfort, refinement,

and luxury appointments, the seventh iteration of this

model is built on an all-new chassis that allows for

a more dynamic exterior design, and the very first F

Sport trim level ever offered on the ES.

The ES is intended as part of Lexus’ “Future Chapter”

plan, first kicked off with the LC coupe, then followed

by the LS sedan. The ES is therefore designed to

expand the company’s line-up to a broader audience.

Built on Toyota’s all-new Global Architecture – K

(GA-K) platform, the 2019 model is longer (+65 mm),

lower (-5 mm), wider (+45mm), with a 50mm longer

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wheelbase and wider tracks front and back (+10mm

and +37mm respectively). With the wheels pushed

closer to the corners of the vehicle, traditional Lexus

customers will find more to love with the ES. That is to

say, a roomier, quieter, and safer car.

However, Lexus is not just going after traditional

buyers. The new stance and proportions are reflect

the ES’ newfound performance capabilities, and will

hopefully encourage the ES owners to take a second

look as they walk away. Or at least so the company

hopes.

Project Chief Designer, Yasuo Kajino, describes the

look of the ES as “provocative elegance”. “The ES

A new level of performance, refinement, and style

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has always been an elegant luxury sedan. For this

generation, we have added daring design elements that

challenge the traditional expectations of buyers.”

DesignTo create a dynamic yet fluid shape, Kaijino’s team

used the low hood enabled by the new ES platform

to produce a distinctive silhouette emphasized by an

aggressive downward slant. Up front, the ES offers

two dramatically different grille designs. The standard

ES 350 and the ES 300h use elegant vertical bars

that radiate out from the centre while the ES 350 F

SPORT model adopts a blacked out pattern consisting

of “L”-shaped clusters with corresponding cut outs at

each corner of the fascia.

In a break with ES models of the past, the seventh-

generation design uses a fast roofline that emphasizes

its lower stance and slippery aerodynamics. The rear

end is clean and sharply chiselled, with LED taillamps

that wrap around the quarter panels to provide a

continuous styling line from any angle. F SPORT

models add a rear spoiler, additional rear badging and a

dark lower valance to further refine the look.

There are also three different wheel designs (17- and

18-inch) for the ES 350 and ES 300h. Step up to the

F SPORT model, and you’ll find standard 19-inch

wheels with a design similar to that found on the LC

coupe.

InsideInside, the ES rewards its guests through multiple

senses. Kanjino’s team started with the Lexus Future

Interior concept. This meant blending in a driver-

centric cockpit with a comfortable and modern

interior. The drier’s focus is kept on the road ahead

thanks to the centre display screen, instrument panel,

and heads-up display being placed in a tight cluster in

the driver’s field of view.

Rear seat passenger comfort has long been a hallmark

of the ES and the seventh-generation model still

prioritizes rear package capability despite the sleeker

exterior roofline. A lower hip point and a carefully

configured headliner preserve headroom while the

longer wheelbase delivers generous legroom.

The standard ES350 and ES300h will continue to

offer traditional materials like Linear Dark Mocha and

Linear Espresso wood which give the ES a hand-crafted

appearance that luxury buyers expect in this category.

To create an entirely different appearance for the

inside of new F-SPORT model, an all-new kind

of metallic cabin trim was developed that is unlike

anything else Lexus has done before. Inspired by the

making of a traditional Japanese sword, Hadori trim

features fluctuating wave patterns that give it a three-

dimensional appearance that varies depending on the

viewing angle. The effect is subtle yet indicative of the

level of detail and craftsmanship that Kajino’s team

put into giving the F-SPORT a unique place in the

line-up.

PerformanceAll ES 350s are powered by a 3.5-litre V6. With an

update to D4-S fuel injection, the engine now develops

302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Both of

those numbers are up significantly (+34 hp, +19 lb-ft)

compared to the previous generation V6.

In addition to the boost in power, the ES350 also

benefits from a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic

transmission. With a wider spread of ratios, the new

eight speed is able to utilize high torque gears on the

low end for quick starts and tall gearing on the high

end for optimum efficiency.

Not to be outdone by its gasoline sibling, the ES

300h hybrid is fitted with a new, fourth-generation

Hybrid Drive System based on an ultra-efficient,

Atkinson cycle 2.5-litre, four-cylinder gas engine with

a lighter, more compact, more power dense electric

motor and self-charging hybrid system. Together, they

deliver a combined 215 total system horsepower and a

preliminary estimate 5.3L/100 km fuel consumption

in combined driving.

An all-new nickel metal hydride battery is smaller than

before which allows it to be mounted underneath the

back seat so it doesn’t infringe on trunk space.

Final thoughtsLexus hopes that a new generation of customers will

be introduced to the 2019 ES sedan with its sharpened

performance, class-leading safety technology, and a

level of craftsmanship that the brand is famous for.

Much like the flagship LS, the new ES sedan looks

to deliver everything that traditional Lexus buyers

expect along with elements that will draw in those who

haven’t considered the brand before.

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Legendary Jaguar sports car racers Andy Wallace and

Davy Jones joined the Special Vehicle Operations

development team at Goodwood Motor Circuit last

month, declaring the new Jaguar XE SV Project 8

“absolutely staggering” and “a winner” after testing it

on the fast and demanding UK track.

British driver Andy Wallace won the Le Mans 24

Hours endurance race in 1988 driving the Jaguar

XJR-9 and was part of Jaguar’s victorious 1988 and

1991 World Sports Car Championship teams. The

Goodwood test was the first time he’d driven the all-

wheel-drive track-focused Project 8, which features a

600PS supercharged 5.0-litre V8 powertrain.

Andy Wallace said: “Most road-legal cars on track

are a massive disappointment, but Project 8 is really

something. It’s absolutely staggering how it has been

made to feel like a proper racing car. It keeps wanting

you to push harder. It’s not bothered by Goodwood’s

undulations, it just hunkers down and feels totally at

ease, so you’re happy to get on the throttle earlier. It

inspires confidence straight away.”

Project 8 features an all-new Carbon Ceramic Brakes

(CCB) system, incorporating the latest technology

to deliver consistent pedal feel, fade resistance and

RACING LEGENDS RATE PROJECT 8JAGUAR’S NEWEST STAR OF ROAD AND TRACK

longevity under the most demanding conditions. It

also uses motorsport-grade Synthetic Racing Fluid

(SRF).

Wallace said: “The brake pedal feel is fantastic. It is

absolutely linear and you can feel what it’s doing.

The steering too is brilliant. It feels like a car that’s

developed after days and days, and hours and hours, of

testing. You don’t just ‘luck’ something as good as this.

Anybody can build a fast car. But to build a fast car

that feels this good – that’s quite an achievement.”

American Davy Jones was also a member of both the

1988 and 1991 championship winning Jaguar teams.

He won the Daytona 24 Hours in 1990 in an XJR-12

(with Andy Wallace), and finished second at the Le

Mans 24 Hours in 1991. He later went on to win Le

Mans in 1996.

Davy Jones said: “I’m used to powerful racing cars. But

this feels really fast. The sheer acceleration didn’t feel all

that different from a 700bhp racing prototype – and

that really surprised me. It’s certainly Jaguar’s best track

car I’ve driven since the sports prototype Jaguars of the

1980s and 1990s.”

With world-class motorsport technology throughout,

Project 8 has carbon fibre panels, adjustable

aerodynamics, a unique suspension setup with

adjustable ride height and camber, and is the first

road car with F1-style ceramic wheel bearings. It’s also

the first Jaguar with a dedicated Track Mode, which

activates electronic calibration settings tailored to

circuit use.

Jones said: “There is no body roll, loads of grip, the

braking is incredible. When you turn into a corner, it

points in, when you step on the accelerator it wants

to launch out of the corner. It doesn’t do anything

to spook you. It’s such an accessible car to drive. The

[8-speed automatic] gear shifts are so precise and so

quick too.”

The 200mph* road-legal Project 8 is the world’s fastest

four-door sedan, having lapped the Nürburgring

Nordschleife in a record 7min 21.23sec. Final tests are

planned for Portimão in Portugal, Motorland Aragón

in Spain and Laguna Seca in California, USA. Hand-

assembly of no more than 300 cars will begin at Special

Vehicle Operations’ Technical Centre in June.

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Current driving dynamics tests being carried out on

the new luxury sports car in Wales demonstrate not

only the harmonious interaction between drive and

suspension, but also the wide spectrum of handling

characteristics encompassing racing performance and

long-distance ride comfort.

Munich. In the final stage of the series production

development process, the new BMW 8 Series Coupe

is exhibiting the entire spectrum of its dynamic

The new BMW 8 Series Coupe

handling potential. Current test drives in Wales are

fully dedicated to the final coordination of all drive and

suspension systems, the key focus being on the BMW

M850i xDrive Coupe, a car which embodies the

performance characteristics of the new luxury sports

car in a particularly intensive manner. A completely

redeveloped V8 engine, state-of-the-art intelligent four-

wheel drive technology, an active rear axle differential

lock, the adaptive M suspension Professional with

active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering

form a perfectly harmonised package for fascinating

sportiness and supreme comfort.

The most striking features shared by the engine

and suspension include the broad spectrum of their

characteristics. The eight-cylinder power unit being

featured for the first time in the BMW M850i xDrive

Coupe produces precisely the amount of torque and

sonorous sound ideally suited for relaxed cruising. On

With maximum dynamics on the way to series production

the other hand, in the Sport or Sport+ mode of the

driving experience control feature, both power delivery

and engine sound alike become noticeably more

dynamic. Likewise, the function of the electronically

controlled dampers, the stability control system DSC

(Dynamic Stability Control) and the four-wheel drive

system are precisely oriented to the selected driving

mode. The rear wheel-focused setup of the new BMW

xDrive system is perceptible in every driving mode,

whilst particularly ambitious drivers benefit from the

active differential lock in the rear axle transmission,

which provides for maximum traction when

accelerating out of bends.

“The thing that always impresses when test driving

the new BMW 8 Series Coupe is its adaptability,”

says Markus Flasch, BMW 8 Series Project Manager.

“Whether a driver expresses his or her wishes with

regard to comfort and sportiness using the accelerator

pedal or by pressing a button, the vehicle immediately

adapts perfectly to each setting.”

A low centre of gravity and high stiffness values for

body and suspension form the basis for the new

BMW 8 Series Coupe’s highly dynamic handling

characteristics. In the case of the BMW M850i xDrive

Coupe, both agility and direct steering behaviour

are additionally assisted by standard Integral Active

Steering and active roll stability. Moreover, the

electronically controlled dampers are able to provide

for maximum wheel stability at any time, so that

contact with the road is guaranteed even on short

stretches of uneven surface.

“The new BMW 8 Series Coupe will be available

exclusively with mixed tyres. This gave us the possibility

when coordinating the suspension control systems to

exploit the potential of the wide rear wheels to attain

particularly sporty handling characteristics,” comments

Jos Van As, head of Suspension Application. “Also,

the higher camber values on all wheels and specifically

tuned elastokinematics result in the realisation of

exceptionally high cornering speeds prior to the

intervention of the electronics. So those who wish can

drive on the racing track with active DSC, too.”

As the embodiment of both supreme and sporty power

delivery, the new V8 power unit also contributes

decisively towards the performance characteristics of

the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe. Whist having the

same weight as the predecessor engine, the new power

unit mobilises an output that has been increased

by 50 kW/68 hp to 390 kW/530 hp. Maximum

torque has increased by 100 Nm to 750 Nm and is

available at 1,800 rpm. The eight-cylinder engine

delivers its power to an extensively further developed

8-speed Steptronic sport transmission characterised by

expanded spread and further shortened shift times.

“The new V8 engine offers exactly the right balance

between performance and emotion, which is what

also sets the new BMW 8 Series Coupe apart,” says

Christian Billig, head of Drive System Integration.

“Above all, the eight-cylinder harmonises perfectly with

the further developed Steptronic transmission during

dynamic acceleration. At the same time, the sound

development of the sports exhaust system authentically

reflects the car’s power delivery. And thanks to

BMW xDrive and active rear axle locking, the engine

always transfers power precisely to where it can be best

converted into driving dynamics.

With the test drives in Wales, developers are rounding

off the exceptionally diverse and intensive programme

for the series development of the new BMW 8 Series

Coupe. Outside the racetrack and cordoned-off

proving grounds, prototypes of the new model are also

tested on public roads in order to obtain information

on customer-relevant characteristics in driving

situations that are as close to reality as possible. They

form an ideal supplement to the information gathered

for instance during winter test drives in Arjeplog in

Sweden, on the BMW Group proving ground in

Miramas in the South of France, at the testing centre

on the Nürburgring Nordschleife or during initial

racing circuit deployment.

The BMW 8 Series Coupe will go on sale during the

course of 2018. The digit 8 in the model designation

refers to the new model’s prominent position within

BMW’s product range. As was once the case with

BMW Z8 and currently the BMW i8, it stands for

highly emotional and exceptionally sporty vehicles.

Thus, the BMW 8 Series Coupe will become a crucial

component of the luxury segment model initiative laid

down by the BMW Group in its NUMBER ONE >

NEXT strategy.

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May 15, 2018 - Subsequent to the official launch

of Borgward BX7 and BX5 in the Middle East,

Germany-based automaker Borgward launched its

showroom in Dubai in partnership with its exclusive

UAE distributor Union Motors. To further enhance

its regional presence and market share, Borgward

also opened the Middle East Parts Center, a central

warehouse, at the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA),

addressing the growing demand for its spare parts

and services in the GCC market. The facility will

have more than 16,000 square meters of storage area

Borgward launches new showroom in Dubai

to address the regional demand and considerably cut

down delivery time.

The launch of two premier models in the UAE is

in line with Borgward’s strategic expansion plans in

key individual markets with vibrant business growth

opportunities. The launch of the Middle East Parts

Center in JAFZA gives the advantage of superior

geographical position and convenient transportation.

The facility is supported by partnerships with MaxX

Logistics, a subsidiary of Almajdouie Group and

Sinotrans Co., LTD., headquartered in JAFZA

and will provide storage and transportation, road

transport, project logistics and door to door logistics

services, and other value-added services. Another

highlight of the Center is the integration of WMS

inventory management system to carry out day-to-day

warehousing functions and scanning code of the goods

through the handheld terminal, and realizes the system

query inventory, electronic ordering and outbound

delivery.

The new Borgward warehouse offers local, experienced,

effective agent operation, and competitive products for

Opening of central warehouse to address regional demand for spare parts & services

local dealers’ operation. Effectively shorten the supply

cycle of spare parts and improve the satisfaction rate of

customers.

Borgward’s new Middle East Parts Center in Dubai

has been strategically planned to effectively cater to the

regional demand. In the future, the distribution area of

the Center will expand to cover Middle East & Africa

countries and the range of products available will be

expanded to include 30,000 spare parts spread over

25,000 square meters over the next few years.

The opening of the new facility is expected to further

cut down the shipping time to 2-5 days from placing

the order to delivery of the product.

Tom Anliker, Senior Vice President of Borgward group

AG, said; “Borgward’s entry to the GCC was prompted

by robust customer demand for compact and mid-

size SUVs in the region. The opening of the central

warehouse in Dubai’s JAFZA reflects our commitment

to delivering excellent service to our customers and

underscores our continuing efforts to become a trusted

service partner. The move complements Borgward’s

entry into the GCC market and will support our

expansion plans in the region.”

In connection with the opening of the new showroom,

Borgward has rolled out several promotional offers,

including lifetime unlimited KM warranty and two

years 50 per cent buyback promise for the first batch of

customers. First set of buyers will also be able to receive

free latest iPhones with their purchases.

Borgward officially entered the GCC car market with

the rollout of the Middle East versions of its premier

BX5 and BX7 SUV models in November 2017. The

strong warehousing and logistics capabilities of MaxX

in the GCC region guarantees timely delivery of spare

parts to Borgward customers, thereby significantly

contributing to the German automaker’s overall sales

and market presence in the region.

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Last night Jaeger-LeCoultre hosted an exclusive

evening in Zurich celebrating the launch of Jaeger-

LeCoultre’s Polaris watch collection. Unveiled at

SIHH last January, the elegant men’s sport collection

is inspired by the iconic Memovox Polaris watch from

1968. Actor Daniel Brühl joined the memorable

event wearing a Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic in

stainless steel.

Long-time Friend of the Brand, Daniel Brühl has been

wearing Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces in his daily life

as well as professional life. In 2016, he attended the

Maison gala dinner during the Venice International

Film Festival. In 2015, for his role in the movie ‘Burnt’,

alongside Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, Daniel

Brühl can be seen wearing his Reverso Duoface watch

in pink gold.

Award winning actor Daniel Brühl has been involved

FRIEND OF THE BRAND DANIEL BRÜHLCHOSE JAEGER-LECOULTRE POLARIS

in many critically acclaimed film and television projects

and has garnered international recognition for his

talent and versatility. Currently he can be seen in movie

theatres as activist ‘Wilfried Böse’ in the drama feature

‘Entebbe’, opposite Rosamund Pike and on Netflix

as the lead role of criminal psychologist ‘Dr. Laszlo

Kreizler’ in the TV series ‘The Alienist’, based on the

international best-selling novel by Caleb Carr.

The New Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Collection.Not just a single homage to a historical reference, the

new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris collection takes the spirit

of Memovox Polaris and applies it to today’s man of

action with a full range of timepieces: a three-hand

automatic, a chronograph and a chronograph world

time, as well as two models with a stronger vintage

feel: the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date and the Jaeger-

LeCoultre Polaris Memovox.

The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris collection channels

the best of the Grande Maison’s watchmaking

tradition and its attention to detail, while creating a

contemporary sporty yet elegant timepiece, with a

vintage touch.

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Al Habtoor Group Sponsors Zayed Charity Marathonin New York in Honour of the Late Sheikh Zayed

Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice-Chairman & CEO,

Al Habtoor Group took part in the 14th Zayed

Charity Marathon held in New York’s Central Park on

Sunday 29 April 2018. The event, also known as the

UAE Healthy Kidney 10K, is part of the New York

Road Runner’s Pro Racing Series and draws tens of

thousands of people annually making it one of the top

10 marathons globally. It marks the third year running

that the Al Habtoor Group is the main sponsor of the

10 kilometre race held in honour of the late Sheikh

Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder and President

of the United Arab Emirates.

Al Habtoor was joined by several prominent Emiratis

including Retired Lt. General Mohammad Halal Al

Kaabi, Head of the Organizing Committee, Zayed

Charity Marathon; Colonel Mohammad Ali Amer,

General Coordinator, Zayed Charity Marathon; and

H.E. Omar Al Shamsi, Deputy Chief of Mission

at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in

Washington, DC. American rapper, singer, songwriter

and composer, Flo Rida, made a special appearance to

support the charitable event.

All proceeds raised during the run go to the Healthy

Kidney Foundation, the leading organization in

the US dedicated to the awareness, prevention and

treatment of kidney disease. To date, the Zayed Charity

Marathon has raised more than $165 mln to support

tens of millions of patients at risk. The organization

also promotes education and awareness of kidney

health and kidney disease on a global scale.

Mohammed Al Habtoor said, “The Zayed Charity

Marathon supports a good cause and most importantly

showcases the generosity and vision of a great leader

and Founding Father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed.

This year we celebrate 100 years since the birth of

the late Sheikh Zayed and the Al Habtoor Group is

proud to be taking part in an international event that

embodies the UAE’s founding principles of unity,

tolerance and inclusiveness I am impressed with the

excellent organization and turnout of participants

from across the US.” Earlier in the week Mohammed

Al Habtoor visited the National Kidney Foundation

headquarters in New York City where he was briefed

on the impact of UAE donations and the specialized

treatment received by patients suffering from kidney

diseases. During his visit to New York, Al Habtoor was

welcomed by His Excellency Majid Al Suwaidi, Consul

General of the United Arab Emirates in New York at

a reception hosted at the Consulate’s headquarters on

5th Avenue. Al Habtoor also attended a special event

hosted at NASDAQ MarketSite, the commercial

marketing presence of the NASDAQ stock market

located in Times Square, New York City where he met

with senior representatives Adena T. Friedman, Vice

President & CEO, Joseph Brantuk, Vice President,

IPO-New Listing and David Wicks, Vice President of

the Corporate Client Group.

Over 11,000 participants registered in the 14th Annual

UAE Healthy Kidney 10k Run. Kenyan athlete

Rhonex Kipruto took the podium at the UAE Healthy

Kidney 10K with a new event record of 27:08. The

18-year-old also claimed the fastest 10K national time

run on US soil on a record-eligible course. Kipruto

took home the $30,000 Zayed Bonus, courtesy of the

Embassy of the UAE in honour of Sheikh Zayed, by

beating the men’s record of 27:35 set in 2011. In the

women’s category, Ethiopia’s Buze Diriba finished first

with a time of 32:04 receiving prize money of $10,000

at the 14th annual race in Central Park.

Thin, lightweight, coloured, elegant and athletic, the

RM 67-02 is the watch for any situation. Breaking

with precedent, Richard Mille designed this model so

that it can be adapted to various sporting disciplines.

This is why several of the brand’s partners have had

developed an RM 67-02 in the colours of their

respective countries, so as to test the abilities of this

automatic calibre in a range of settings beyond the

athletics track. With the tennisman, Alexander Zverev,

the RM 67-02 will now enter a new battlefield.

With Alexander now ranked no. 3 in the world,

testing the resistance of his RM 67-02 in Carbon

TPT® and red Quartz TPT® when faced with repeated

THE RM 02-67 TAKES ON A NEW PLAYING FIELD

accelerations, tennis courts around the globe will

become natural laboratories.

While the RM 67-02 issued to fellow brand partner

Alexis Pinturault must withstand the harsh cold of the

ski slopes and the shocks received against the gates, a

variation designed for five-time World Rally champion,

Sébastien Ogier, will join him along the varied stages of

the Argentinian Rally. All of these models preserve the

mechanical beauty of the CRMA7 calibre, combining

the grade 5 titanium of the baseplate and bridges with

the white gold and Carbon TPT® of the variable-

geometry rotor, as well as the exceptional finishes.

Beyond the comfort of the strap and the resistance of

the case milled from TPT® composites, these watches

boast aesthetically polished renditions of each sports

figure’s flag, easily visible across the hand-painted grade

5 titanium dial. For superlative wearing enjoyment

of the RM 67-02, Richard Mille has equipped these

timepieces with their new ‘comfort’ strap. Entirely

seamless, the strap is highly elastic, allowing it to

perfectly fit the contours of each wrist, adapting to

individual morphology. Two unique prototypes of

the RM 67-02 are currently touring the Formula 1

circuits. Worn by rookie Charles Leclerc and Fernando

Alonso, they both allow the brand to test new technical

solutions for its future models.

WITH ALEXANDER ZVEREV

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Jaguar Land Rover MENA opens the first Academy to train regional retailer network repairers to maintain high factory standards

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Body Training Academy Brings Factory Corum in RomeQuality To Local Business la dolce vita returns to watchmaking

Jaguar Land Rover Middle East and North Africa

has today launched an industry first Body Training

Academy in the region to ensure that all vehicles

repaired regionally by their retailer network maintain

the stringent specifications as defined by the factory.

In the unfortunate event of an accident, repairing a

vehicle back to Jaguar Land Rover’s exacting standards

is of paramount importance and so to take this one

step further, the new Body Training Academy, located

in Dubai Production City will be dedicated to teaching

repairers the exact same methods employed at the

factory.

“Jaguar Land Rover’s products are built to withstand

the most extreme situations including accidents and

so occupant safety is of utmost importance. Should a

customer suffer an accident, it is essential that their car

be repaired to full manufacturer standards to ensure

that not only occupant safety levels are maintained but

also to provide them with the peace of mind knowing

that their vehicle will maintain its full warranty.” said

Bruce Robertson, Managing Director of Jaguar Land

Rover MENA.

“Being involved in an accident is an unsettling

experience, so knowing that your Jaguar or Land

Rover will be returned to its ‘as-new’ condition, is an

important factor for Jaguar Land Rover’s discerning

customers who value quality in their everyday lives.” he

added. Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with TECOM

to establish the facility in the Dubai Production

City, which apart from being centrally located in the

burgeoning new Dubai district, shares many of the key

attributes with Jaguar Land Rover’s brand image.

Dubai Production City (DPC) caters to the Light

Industry Manufacturing sectors and the printing

and publishing industry. Since inception in 2003, its

aim has been to create access to an industry network

that helps businesses evolve and flourish by forging

synergies with like-minded community members.

The opening of Jaguar Land Rover facility, underlines

Dubai’s welcoming business environment and world

class infrastructure as well as DPC’s efforts and

commitment to continue attracting global brands.

Jaguar Land Rover’s UK headquarters will provide full

technical and personnel support to the Body Training

Academy including providing in-house skilled experts

to manage and train staff on the latest advanced

technologies used at the factory on all new Jaguar and

Land Rover vehicles.

Additional to the Body Training Academy, extensive

upgrades to collision repair facilities have also recently

been undertaken by Jaguar Land Rover retailers

who are committed to the continual development

of technicians’ competency to ensure that all repairs

return the vehicle to the manufacturer’s specification.

It was created by accident. In 1966, when Corum

received the dials for its new creation Romvlvs in the

run-up to the Baselworld show, the hour markers

were missing. The supplier had forgotten to add them.

René Bannwart, who had founded the company

eleven years earlier, decided to go ahead with the Basel

launch anyway. As an emergency measure, he had the

hour markers engraved directly on the bezel. Thus the

Romvlvs was born, and it would go on to become one

of the brand’s greatest successes. This ode to creativity

resonates today more than ever at Corum. Frustrated

by life’s ups and downs? Does the watch you’re

dreaming of not exist? Invent it! Giving life to one’s

desires is central to Corum, where the guiding ethos

is: “Craft Your Dreams”. This call to creativity can still

be heard today in every piece that Corum makes. The

new Romvlvs is no exception. The collection that is

being presented in 2018 has one unique characteristic:

it’s a piece that collectors themselves have demanded.

“When I took on this position, I was struck by the

detailed knowledge that the major collectors had of our

history,” explains Jérôme Biard, CEO of Corum. “After

travelling the world several times, I noticed that there

was a real desire for the Romvlvs Retrograde Annual

Calendar, everywhere from Asia to the Americas.

As the original was released in 2008, it seemed that

an anniversary edition for 2018 would present a

wonderful opportunity. We wanted it to be a very

limited edition for these well-informed collectors.”

The Romvlvs 44 Annual Calendar keeps its Italian

lightness. Refreshing, it refuses to be boxed into a

category, swinging from classical to provocative, from

sporty to glamour chic. Playful and imbued with

la dolce vita, it seamlessly blends the refinement of

pink gold with a lively and feisty green. Of classical

allegiance, it can’t resist the charms of a modern rubber

bracelet. While its dial appears traditional, it is in fact

a smoky quartz sapphire whose transparency, like a

mischievous veil, reveals the mechanical caliber.

Preserving the essence of the original Romvlvs, the

caliber is still the famous CO502, beating at 28,800

vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and ensuring a power

reserve of over two days (55 hours). The date is read in

a way that is both intuitive and original. Intuitive in

that it reads naturally from left to right, going from day

to date to month. Original in that it simultaneously

makes use of two apertures and a central hand to

provide this information, once again demonstrating

Corum’s creativity in technical watchmaking.

The diameter of the piece has been increased to 44

mm, emphasizing more than ever the pink gold and

rubber bezel on which the hour markers are directly

engraved, the distinctive sign of the Romvlvs. The back

of the piece reveals the watchwords of the Romvlvs:

“URBS” (city in Latin) and “ROMA”, as well as

the profile of a legionnaire. The Romvlvs 44 Annual

Calendar is presented in a limited edition of 25 pieces.

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ROGER DUBUISExcalibur Knights of the Round Table III

With the Excalibur Knights of the Round Table III

hyperwatch, Roger Dubuis once again demonstrates

the power of the sword. This forceful new

interpretation of the legend of King Arthur’s Excalibur

is inspired by the fabled island of Avalon, regarded

as the place where the mighty sword was forged.

In a radical combination of disruptive materials,

extreme craftsmanship and sophisticated horological

complications, state-of-the-art pink gold low poly-

sculpted knights gather around a dramatic blue enamel

table.

Commanding, compelling and cunningly creative,

Excalibur is the ultimate symbol of the inherent

daring embedded in the Roger Dubuis DNA. An

inventive boldness expressed as much through the

use of unprecedented materials in watchmaking as

through the consistent launch of groundbreaking

new calibres. The cut and thrust of innovation and

vanguard technologies hold no secrets for the full-

fledged Manufacture with its dedicated in-house

R&D department. After the glorious campaigns of

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its Excalibur Knights of the Round Table I and II,

Roger Dubuis once again proves its ability to upend

conventions and conquer traditions by offering a

cutting-edge, contemporary take on watchmaking

icons.

Ancient myth meets 21st century art form. Fearlessly

coupling a powerful legend with a technical feat and a

contemporary artistic approach, the Excalibur Knights

of the Round Table III epitomises the no-holds-barred

Roger Dubuis approach. A taste for off-the-chart

adventures that impels it to take on even the wildest

challenges. Originally used for making 3D models and

scenes for videogames, low poly art is a technique in

which polygonal facets are used to create sculptures or

paintings. It is increasingly popular due to its render

speed achieved thanks to low polygonal resolution.

Used in this instance to create 12 new expressive three-

dimensional pink gold knights depicting the hours, it

showcases the peerless creativity and dynamism of the

Roger Dubuis artisan-warriors and their commitment

to ‘disruptive materials and progressive complications’.

Vigorous, valiant and virile, each highly detailed, low

poly-sculpted, engraved and hand-finished knight has

been entirely redesigned; each points his sword at the

Avalon-inspired table sculpted from solid blue enamel

blocks, a process requiring considerable dexterity and

many patient hours of craftsmanship. Framed by an

imposing Excalibur 45mm case with a solid caseback,

fluted 18K pink gold bezel and matching crown, each

dial takes a full 45 hours to create. This mechanical

marvel is teamed with a matching blue alligator strap.

Ensuring both precision and reliability, self-winding

Calibre RD 821 – an exclusive in-house movement

such as those equipping all Roger Dubuis timepieces –

drives the hour and minute functions while delivering

a 48-hour power reserve. Like the knights, every detail

of the movement is hand-finished according to the

traditional criteria governing the prestigious Hallmark

of Geneva. The trailblazing Excalibur Knights of

the Round Table III embodies eloquent proof that

true legends never die, especially when spectacularly

reinterpreted by Roger Dubuis. In keeping with the

cornerstone mantra of the brand that dares to be rare,

this standout creation is issued as a highly exclusive

28-piece limited edition.

Daring, determined and dauntless

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Building on a long-standing partnership, Rolex and

Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons have inaugurated a new Rolex

Boutique in Dubai. Located in the Fashion Avenue,

the latest extension of The Dubai Mall − the largest

shopping mall in the world by total area and home to

more than 150 luxury brands − the boutique represents

the epitome of modern retail luxury.

Opened on 30 April 2018, the three-level structure,

the world’s largest Rolex Boutique, covers an

unprecedented 850 square metres of retail space,

including an area devoted to a total immersion into

the world of Rolex − the Rolex Experience – which

encapsulates the brand and its legacy in a truly

DUBAI’S NEW FLAGSHIP ROLEX BOUTIQUE

exclusive and unique setting.

“We are honoured to partner with Rolex on this

major endeavour that represents a landmark for our

retail operation which, over half a century, has grown

from a single shop in Souk Bur Dubai to more than

65 watch boutiques across the UAE, including five

Rolex Boutiques and 12 points of sale in Dubai. The

latest Rolex Boutique will showcase Rolex watches in

spectacular surroundings,” said Abdul Hamied Ahmed

Seddiqi, Vice Chairman of Seddiqi Holding. “This

collaboration marks an enduring relationship and our

continued passion for the Rolex brand.”

Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the Middle East’s leading

retailer of luxury watches and jewellery, has been

the Official Rolex Retailer in Dubai for almost 60

years. The late Ahmed Qasim Seddiqi, the company’s

founder, was one of the first watch distributors in the

Gulf region and he built a strong bond with Rolex

over the past decades, based on mutual respect and

common goals. In commenting on the launch of the

new store, Jean- Frédéric Dufour, Chief Executive

Officer of Rolex SA, said: “This outstanding boutique

offers a total Rolex experience. We are delighted to

bring the history of the Rolex brand and its know- how

together in this way in association with our long-time

partner, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.”

OFFERS UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

AHMED SEDDIQI & SONS UNVEILS UNPRECEDENTED RETAIL DESTINATION AT THE DUBAI MALL